Understanding the UN system will help you play your role realistically at a Model UN conference. It is important to understand which bodies and actors make up the UN system, what the UN can and cannot do, and how international issues are addressed by the UN. Here are some questions that will help get you started:
- What are the important elements of the UN Charter?
- What are the main bodies of the UN?
- How are the UN's bodies and agencies organized?
- Which countries serve on the body or agency you are simulating?
- How does the body or agency you are simulating operate?
- What are the most recent UN actions on your issue?
- Why did past UN actions succeed or fail?
- What conferences and meetings have been held with regard to your issue?
- What have UN officials said about your issue?